Living the simple life in Princeton has offered us rewards that I would like to share with all who care to stop in and see. From natures outdoor beauty to indoor cooking and everything in between. Welcome to my very special world in rural Wisconsin.

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Monday, October 3, 2016

Flip Flop Soled Slippers

Some time this past summer I saw a Facebook post about crocheting slippers using a flip flop sole for the base. I thought it was an interesting idea because knitted and crocheted slippers are slippery. Maybe that's how they got their name....slippers. They also wear out on the bottom first. I will find the link and post the free pattern at the bottom of this blog. As usual, I changed the pattern a little bit. Overall they worked up quickly and turned out quite well.

Crocheted Slippers with Flip Flop Soles

You start making these slippers with a pair of rubber soled flip flops. This time of year in Wisconsin they are practically giving them away. The flip flops should be slightly smaller than you would wear for your summer shoe. I wear a 8 1/2 shoe, so I bought a large. The slippers are a bit too big. The first thing you do is pull the toe separator out. Just yank on it, and it pulls through the holes. It leaves three holes, but that isn't a problem.

Throw away the toe part because you will just be using the sole.

The next thing you do is take a sharp pointed object to poke holes. I used an awl from my husband's screwdriver set, but a knitting needle, darning needle or some other sharp tool would work.

I used this awl to poke holes in the sole.

Poke holes through the top and out the side.

Poke holes around the whole outside of the sole. Don't make them too close together or the yarn will break through to the next hole when you start crocheting. I made that mistake at first. Then attach the yarn on the heel section and single crochet through each hole around. I had about 100 stitches but that number depends on the size of the sole. I used the cotton yarn used for dishcloths and used a size E hook because I like a firmer feeling slipper. This pattern is pretty forgiving so use whatever feels right. You could even make it big and loose with wool yarn and then felt it in hot water.

It is a little awkward at first and your crocheting technique has to change a little bit. Single crochet around and around the sole until you have 9 rounds. At this point you put a marker in the center of each side and continue crocheting on row 9, past the heel and crochet to one stitch before the marker, slip stitch in next stitch then Chain 1 and turn.

Row 10: Skip the first single crochet, slip stitch (sl st) in the next single crochet (sc), and single crochet around to one stitch before marker as before, slip stitch, chain 1 and turn.

Row 11: Skip the first slip stitch, slip stitch in next single crochet and crochet around to 3 stitches before the marker, slip stitch, chain 1 and turn.

Row 12: Skip the first slip stitch, slip stitch in next single crochet and crochet around to 3 stitches before the marker, slip stitch, chain 1 and turn.

Row 13: Skip the first slip stitch, slip stitch in next single crochet and crochet around to the spot on the heel where you started. Fasten off.

From this point you can either follow the instructions from the Ravelry link below or attach your yarn near the instep. It will be the point where you want the top of the slipper to start. I chose about an inch toward the toe from the marker. Chain 15 and attach on the opposite side with a slip stitch. Chain 1, skip a single crochet on the side and slip stitch in next stitch. Turn your work, chain 1 and single crochet in the chain stitches across and attach on the other side in the same manner. Decrease stitches to fit as you work toward the toe and finish off. These instructions are kind of a free form method. If you want specific instructions, here is the link. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/flip-flop-slippers

To finish it off, I did a reverse single crochet around the edge. If I ever wore slippers, I might like these.

Note: Be sure to note which side of the sole is facing the bottom. If you flip it and crochet on the wrong side, you will end up with two left feet or two right feet. Don't ask me how I know this, but I bet you can guess.